VARANASI: The Congress said the flight carrying Wayanad MP and former congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was denied permission to land in Varanasi. However, the airport authorities termed the allegation as false. The incident happened while Rahul was returning from Wayanad.

Senior congress leader Ajay Rai said the flight was scheduled to land at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi. Leaders had arrived to receive him. Rahul used a chartered flight of a private jet company. He had decided to offer prayers in Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

However, Varanasi airport director Aryama Sanyan said they have not obtained any prior information of his visit. Ajay Rai said Rahul sought permission to land in Varanasi to attend a function at Kamala Nehru Memorial Hospital. Ajay Rai said the Prime Minister has been anxious since Rahul led the Bharat Jodo Yatra and so is creating obstacles.